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Zelenskyy Calls for Strong and Stable International Support to Weaken Russia and End War
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![Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko]( "Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko")
The path to ending the war lies in weakening Russia through sustained military losses, economic setbacks, and unwavering international support for Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during his address to the participants of the European Council meeting on March 19.
Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the continued assistance from Europe and stressed the importance of finding a resolution to the ongoing crisis, particularly in terms of stabilizing European support for Ukraine.
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“The aggressor must weaken, and this is the key to ending the war," he stated. "This means that the aggressor must weaken on the battlefield, and large losses for Russia—around 30,000 to 35,000 soldiers per month—are ensuring that."
The president also highlighted the economic impact on Russia, which is being exacerbated by international sanctions. He noted that the moral aspect is just as crucial, underscoring the need for stable, long-term support for Ukraine.
“It is important that the support for us remains strong, stable, and long-term, for years to come, so that the aggressor feels that its future is unpredictable— the aggressor, not us,” Zelenskyy noted.
Zelenskyy also emphasized the importance of unlocking the 20th sanctions package, stating that it would help bring peace closer and demonstrate to Russia that it is not gaining any advantages. He highlighted that the continued strong support for Ukraine is essential for achieving this goal.
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The President further urged continued efforts to secure missiles for Patriot systems, saying, “This is why the PURL program is crucial. Thank you to everyone contributing. We know not everyone likes the idea of using part of the 90 billion to purchase Patriot missiles through PURL if no other options are available. But if there are truly no alternatives, this is necessary for defense against Russian ballistic strikes – it’s a matter of saving lives.”
Zelenskyy also reassured that Ukraine would do everything possible to open the EU accession clusters and continue negotiations regarding EU membership.
“Russia must clearly understand and feel that Ukraine will be in Europe, and it cannot stop that. This is why we are implementing internal reforms and working externally to secure a clear date for EU membership. If a date is set, it will mean that Russia cannot block our accession,” he concluded.
In a related statement, US Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Daniel Zimmerman emphasized that allies must urgently provide Ukraine with the necessary resources for deterrence and defense. He noted that more than 20 European nations have already committed over $4 billion to support the PURL initiative.
“Russia still possesses significant military and industrial power, along with the resolve to continue a prolonged war,” Zimmerman added. “Additionally, Russia’s massive nuclear arsenal and ongoing investment in coercive capabilities heighten the risk of confrontation without crossing into full-scale nuclear conflict.”
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-c439b7bd9030ecf9d5a4287dc361ba31.jpg "Photo of Katherina Popilnichenko")
